Kenya Meteorological department has announced the weakening of Cyclone Ialy which hit the Indian Ocean.

The department however advised residents of Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale to be ready for rainy weather conditions likely to be experienced later in the day.

“Ialy has weakened to a moderate tropical storm but remains significant due to it’s intensity near the equator. The center of Ialy is expected to stay over 150km from the East African coasts.

“Moderate rain, stormy conditions, and strong winds are anticipated along the western periphery of the system, impacting the coastal areas of Kenya, and neighboring countries,” Met advised.

Met has issued an advisory cautioning against the use of small boats in the ocean due to the anticipated strong winds and high waves, which are expected to reach heights of more than three meters.

Kenya Met reassured locals however that they will keep a close eye on the cyclone and provide timely updates to the public.

“Ialy is experiencing rapid weakening and is expected to dissipate completely by Wednesday morning while remaining offshore.

“The residual vortex is unlikely to persist long enough to cross the equator,” the statement read in part.

The cyclone had quite an impact on the coastal towns. Reports came in of roofs being blown off and some buildings being destroyed due to the strong winds in the coastal counties and some areas experienced blackouts owing to the disruption of power supply on Tuesday, May 21.